Dharamshala: The Southern Tibetan Schools Dialectic Meet, organised by the Department of Education (CTA) in collaboration with Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, was concluded on 4 September 2024 with a brief closing ceremony in the presence of Geshe Lharampa Sonam Wangden, the instructor at Sera Jey Khenyen Dratsang, as its chief guest.

Education Officer Ngodup Tenpa from the Department of Education, the Principals and Head Teachers of the participating schools, and the facilitators and participants of the dialectic meet attended the closing ceremony.

Education Officer Ngodup Tenpa briefed the eight-day dialectic meet during the concluding ceremony, following which a student representing the participants and a teacher’s representative shared their experiences of the meet and expressed their gratitude to the organisers and host for the opportunity and accommodations.

In his keynote address, chief guest Geshe Lharampa Sonam Wangden discussed the cognitive benefits of dialectical disputation and traced its development from the Nalanda scholars through its role in Tibetan Buddhism to its modern endorsement by His Holiness the Dalai Lama for inclusion in Tibetan school curricula. He also emphasised the importance of integrating contemporary scientific knowledge with traditional disputation practices.

Geshe Lharampa Sonam Wangden further noted that, despite being stateless refugees, Tibetans stand on equal footing with other nationalities due to Tibet’s profound Buddhist heritage and its dialectical education. However, with these cultural heritages facing systematic erosion within Tibet, he stressed the urgent need to preserve and promote Tibetan language and traditions, ensuring that they are passed on to future generations.

In conclusion, Kachen Jamyang, the Administration Officer of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, lauding the Education Department’s initiatives and their positive impact on students’ education.